By Amin Kef (Ranger)
NP (SL) Limited, the leading petroleum marketing company in Sierra Leone, has once again demonstrated its commitment to technological advancement and customer satisfaction by launching the NP Energy Pass Card. The grand unveiling took place at the company’s headquarters on Walpole Street in Freetown, on December 13, 2024, attracting prominent personalities, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Tawa Conteh, NP (SL) Board Members, the Communications Manager for NP (SL, Dr Willette James, who moderated the event, Station Managers, Resellers, members of the Motor Drivers Union and individuals from various walks of life.
The Sales Supervisor of NP (SL), Leon Aboko-Cole, set the tone for the event with a warm welcome address. He described stakeholders in the petroleum sector as ambassadors, underscoring their crucial role in promoting the company’s products and services. Leon Aboko-Cole emphasized that the success of NP (SL) hinged on the support of its patrons and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the company’s growth. He then welcomed all.
The Chief Executive Officer of NP (SL), Saidu Mansaray, took center stage to formally introduce the NP Energy Pass Card. Addressing attendees, he described the initiative as a groundbreaking innovation poised to revolutionize the way fuel is purchased in Sierra Leone. He highlighted that the new card is a smart, secure and user-friendly payment solution that offers customers a modern, seamless and efficient fueling experience at designated NP Filling Stations nationwide.
According to Saidu Mansaray, the Energy Pass Card underwent a successful pilot phase at key NP Filling Stations, including NP Cotton Tree, NP Campbell Street, NP Brookfields, NP Pademba Road etc. The pilot phase, he said, allowed for rigorous testing and refinement, ensuring that the nationwide launch would deliver a superior user experience.
The CEO outlined several key benefits of the NP Energy Pass Card:
- Convenience and Accessibility: Customers can recharge the card at any NP Filling Station or at the NP Head Office. The card’s nationwide usability eliminates the inconvenience and risks associated with carrying cash.
- Online and Offline Usability: The card’s ability to function both online and offline ensures uninterrupted service, even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity.
- Enhanced Security Features: Advanced security measures, including instant SMS notifications and One-Time Passwords (OTPs) for password changes, protect users and ensure transparency.
- Transparency and Accountability: Every transaction made with the card is recorded in real-time, with immediate SMS notifications sent to users, enabling them to track fuel usage and spending accurately.
- Efficiency for Station Owners: The card’s cashless nature reduces the handling of physical cash, enhancing operational efficiency. Funds are credited to station owners’ bank accounts in real-time.
- Self-Service and Empowerment: Customers can independently fuel their vehicles using the card, minimizing wait times and enhancing customer autonomy.
The CEO assured stakeholders that the NP Energy Pass Card aligns with global financial technology trends, promoting Sierra Leone’s transition to a cashless economy. He also reiterated NP’s commitment to developing solutions tailored to the needs of Sierra Leoneans, noting that the card reflects the company’s “FUBU” (For Us, By Us) philosophy.
NP (SL) Sales Manager, Vandy Bockarie, provided an in-depth overview of the deployment of the Energy Pass Card and the company’s plans for 2025. He emphasized that the card is a convenient, secure and efficient fuel management solution designed to cater to the needs of individual and institutional customers.
Vandy Bockarie disclosed that there are currently 18 operational fuel stations in the Western Urban and Western Rural Areas where the Energy Pass Card is accepted. In the Southern Region, the card can be used at stations in Bo, Moyamba, Pujehun and Mattru Jong. In the Eastern Region, card usage is enabled at Kono and Kenema, with plans to commission the Kailahun station in early January 2025. In the Northern and Northwestern regions, the card is operational at stations in Makeni, Port Loko, Kambia, Lunsar and Mile 38.
He further revealed that as of December 2024, there are 2,108 users of the NP Energy Pass Card, including 87 institutional users. NP (SL), according to him, aims to double its operational stations from the current 30 to 60 by the end of 2025, enhancing coverage in underserved areas. The expansion, he continued, is designed to increase accessibility and convenience for card users, improve fuel management for institutions and individuals and reduce travel distances for refueling.
A representative of NP (SL)’s Board of Directors commended stakeholders for attending and acknowledged the Director General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) for collaborating on the awareness campaign for the Energy Pass Card. He proudly affirmed NP (SL)’s status as the leading petroleum marketing company in Sierra Leone and shared insights into the company’s modernization and digitization journey since 2017.
The high point of the event was the official media launch of the NP Energy Pass Card, which was conducted by the Director General of SLBC, Josephine Kamara, assisted by two prominent female media personalities. The DG encouraged Sierra Leoneans to embrace the Energy Pass Card, stressing its smarter, faster and more secure refueling capabilities.
It must be underscored that to obtain an Energy Pass Card an individual or institution must come to the NP (SL) Headquarter to request for the card where the Sales Attendants will give a rundown of the process and give direction to a bank to make payment into an NP Account. After making a payment at the bank the applicant must come with the bank slip to NP (SL) and will be given a form to fill in some personal details. After filling the form it must be left with the Sales Attendant who will complete the registration process and provide further information. After the card has been created an SMS notification will be sent for pick up. During the pick up an applicant must confirm from the Sales Attendant how to change a pin code. The pin code, which is a personal identification number, must not be exposed. Significantly, the Energy Pass Card works both on and off line.
The launch of the NP Energy Pass Card underscores NP (SL)’s dedication to innovation, customer convenience and operational efficiency. By leveraging technology to create cashless payment solutions, NP (SL) is enhancing Sierra Leone’s fuel management sector while positioning the company as a premier player in the West African petroleum industry.
